Building a lean to greenhouse
- Thread starter danlightbulb
- Start date
2 lots of hinges? Cunning
Yeah it works great too, folds perfectly against the left side panel.
Soldato
So you didnt do the cranked ones? Looks good actually. Are you able to lock it so only the front set open?
2 things, stick in slots and chain to keep hold of the lid.
OR, a pegged stick so it functions like a traditional window catch, with more or less opening in effect if that makes sense.
But you want some way for it being secure as opposed to propped open relying on gravity, seen plenty of this type of thing ripped off at the allotment
2 things, stick in slots and chain to keep hold of the lid.
OR, a pegged stick so it functions like a traditional window catch, with more or less opening in effect if that makes sense.
But you want some way for it being secure as opposed to propped open relying on gravity, seen plenty of this type of thing ripped off at the allotment
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That's quite clever - I think I will be stealing this idea
So you didnt do the cranked ones? Looks good actually. Are you able to lock it so only the front set open?
2 things, stick in slots and chain to keep hold of the lid.
OR, a pegged stick so it functions like a traditional window catch, with more or less opening in effect if that makes sense.
But you want some way for it being secure as opposed to propped open relying on gravity, seen plenty of this type of thing ripped off at the allotment
I didn't bother with cranked hinges no, I don't think they would have done what I wanted, and it's quite hard to find out the movement range of different hinge types so I gave up on that.
What do you mean 'lock'? The two front doors both open and I will be fitting a small catch so that they can be held open. And I'll be fitting a clasp to the lid to hold that in place as well.
Yeah I'm still struggling on the lid though. I wanted a slotted metal bar with a wingnut, but can't find it.
Soldato
I mean lock as in do you have to open the door fully, maybe you always plan to. I mean is there a bolt on the inside so the left (as you look at your picture) can open the same as the right.
Screwfix have some threaded cover, cheap, not too thick, 6mm holes I believe. Think people say 5mm threaded rod (or bolt is perfect)
I would use something like that if you don't want to make wooden rods.
Hylec Slotted Top Hat DIN Rail 35mm x 7.5mm x 1000mm - Screwfix
Order online at Screwfix.com. Top hat style, slotted DIN rail. Fluoride and organic acid-free. Used for mounting circuit breakers and industrial control equipment. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.
Associate
For the top you want either the
Screw down stay or the casement stay arm in this link
SATIN/BRUSHED CHROME-Victorian old style window fittings -CHOOSE FROM 13 OPTIONS | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for SATIN/BRUSHED CHROME-Victorian old style window fittings -CHOOSE FROM 13 OPTIONS at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
Could you use a hydraulic bonnet strut for the lid?
Something like this…
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Soldato
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- 21 Sep 2020
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Looks good, a lot better than I thought it would! 
Ah I see. Yeah I thought I would need to do this but it swings in a nice arc without it so I don't think I need to. I'll put a catch on so it can hook safely back against the side panel.
Ah yes old fashioned window stay looks ideal. Normally mounted horizontally rather than vertically in my case but should do the trick I think.
Shelves inside need to span just under 1.2m X 0.6m and I was planning three shelves inside. I was going to make them slatted but it's a lot of wood. I wonder if sheet material (OSB/ply) would be good enough? Only issue would be water sitting on it.
Soldato
I would be careful with window stays unless the area is sheltered from wind.
I have had them fail twice on polycarbonate windows as they are so light.
Thats why I now use a pegged stay.
Was different with old glass greenhouses.
Its why your idea of slotted bar with wingnut type thing is better IMO.
I have had them fail twice on polycarbonate windows as they are so light.
Thats why I now use a pegged stay.
Was different with old glass greenhouses.
Its why your idea of slotted bar with wingnut type thing is better IMO.
Associate
You just use something like this to hold it up
Made4Trade Backplate for Euro Clips
www.toolstation.com
Get one to fit through the holes in the stay and get a wing nut to fit it
Soldato
Definitely worth making them slatted as they will let light through to the lower levels as well. Also - make sure they are installed in a way that they can easily be removed/lifted out so you have the option of growing taller plants as well.
Edit - Look for something similar to this that you can rob the shelves off of - https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/omar-2...VykBBAh2eegmMEAQYAyABEgKqkfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
£24 aint expensive TBH. I realise the size might not be a good fit but just to give you an idea. You can even turn those shelves upside down to give you a "lip" all around making the plants more secure
Edit 2 - https://www.wickes.co.uk/Smart-Garden-4-Tier-GroZone-Shelving/p/263587 (they are 31mm deep so 1 placed in front of the other might fit?)
I just searched "greenhouse shelves" in Google for ideas
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Soldato
I was going to say same as richie just said.
I just use bearers in effect (normally CLS) and then planks on the top that are just held in place with gravity.
Cheap source for the planks can be a pallet you can rip down.
I just use bearers in effect (normally CLS) and then planks on the top that are just held in place with gravity.
Cheap source for the planks can be a pallet you can rip down.
I've gone for cheap black casement stays. Not too bad, bit awkward to find a spot to fit them, would have preferred them on the inside I think but not enough room to mount them on the frame.
They'll do the job but I'd only rate them 5 out of 10.
They'll do the job but I'd only rate them 5 out of 10.
Soldato
Yeah they are for Greenhouse windows. They are filled with a fluid so, as it gets hotter inside, they open the window more to cool it down then close again as it cools.... You set the level by twisting the tube (looks like the lifters you get on car boots)